I recently had the pleasure of giving an invited talk at Åbo Akademi University in Finland (online) as part of the kick‑off event for INCLUDE ME+, an Erasmus‑funded project, which is focused on strengthening inclusion across digital and educational environments.
My talk explored a theme that feels increasingly urgent: the potential for social media influencers to act as a force for good, and I focused on two primary areas:
Creating Inclusive Environments: Influencers have the potential to play a significant role in creating more inclusive environments, both online and offline. Their large followings and ability to shape audience perceptions give them a unique platform to reach marginalised and/or vulnerable individuals.
Fostering Civil Engagement: Social media influencers have emerged as a powerful force in shaping public opinion and behaviour. Their potential role in civic engagement is becoming increasingly recognised as a useful tool for change.
One of the best things about giving this talk was that it has opened a couple of new avenues of thought related to a piece of research I have been “sitting on” since shortly after completing my PhD. It has been in the back of my mind, but I couldn’t quite see how to bring the ideas to life. But some of the themes for this talk seem to have good links to those ideas – and might help to bring the research from theory to practice.
A summary of the talk is below.
Influencers are often dismissed as superficial trend‑setters, but as the slides note, they are “active and empowered social media users who are listened to and seen as a trusted source.” That trust gives them remarkable capacity to shape more inclusive, empathetic, and civically engaged communities. By amplifying the stories and experiences of marginalised groups, influencers can challenge stereotypes and broaden public understanding. They can highlight accessibility issues, advocate for better representation, and model respectful, welcoming behaviour that helps online spaces feel safer and more human.
Their impact extends beyond inclusion. Influencers can spark civic dialogue, raise awareness of social issues, and mobilise communities into action. The presentation highlighted Amanda Nguyen’s use of Instagram to advocate for gun‑control reform — a powerful example of how personal storytelling can inspire collective movements.
Of course, challenges remain: misinformation, tokenism, and echo chambers among them. But when influencers use their platforms thoughtfully, their reach and credibility position them as meaningful agents of positive change — aligning closely with the goals of INCLUDE ME+ and the broader mission of building more inclusive digital futures.